Tributes paid to Rutherglen stalwart Tommy Rooney

Tommy Rooney was well known as the chair of Rutherglen Community Council

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The family of Tommy Rooney has described him as someone who loved Rutherglen and was a rock to them in times of tragedy.

Tributes from across Rutherglen and beyond have poured in for 72-year-old Tommy, who died suddenly last Thursday, May 11.

As chairman of Rutherglen Community Council, he was heavily involved in the local community and was well liked by everyone who met him.

Born and brought up in Glasgow’s east end, Tommy, who worked as a printer, moved with wife Ann to Toryglen before settling in the Farme Cross area of Rutherglen just over 40 years ago.

He suffered a stroke earlier this year but seemed to be recovering. However, on Thursday morning he took unwell and was taken to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth II University Hospital where he sadly passed away.

Daughter Angela Little, 46, said: “It’s been such a shock for us all. We weren’t expecting it.

“Dad loved where he lived, he just wanted to give something back.

“He would help anyone and he hated seeing anyone struggling. If someone was working hard but was not getting anywhere, dad hated that.

“The number of people passing on their condolences has been incredible. People we do not even know have been sending us messages, he was just so well known.”

Remembering her dad’s personality, Angela laughed: “He had such a dry sense of humour, we used to call him a grumpy old goat.”

“He had such a great nature.”

Tommy married Ann, 73, on July 12, 1963 at Balarnock Church. In 1967 Ann gave birth to a son, Thomas, but sadly he died from cot death before his second birthday.

Angela was born four years later and the couple had a second daughter, Elaine, 43.

In 2001 Angela’s husband Robert died suddenly from meningitis and Tommy and Ann decided to retire to help care for Angela’s stepson, Ross, 27, and sons Cameron, 20, and Ewan 17. Elaine also gave Tommy two other grandchildren: Jade, 16, and five-year-old Stevie.

Tommy and wife Ann celebrate their golden wedding in 2013

Angela said: “My dad just doted on his grandchildren, that’s who he lived for.

“He was a rock to me. I honestly don’t know how I would have coped these past 16 years without him or my mother.”

News of Tommy’s death has left his fellow members of the community council stunned.

Jim Bolton, secretary, said he spoke to Tommy last week and he expected to be back at the group for their June meeting.

He added: “He was always a great chairman who represented the community council. He will be a great loss to the group.”

Kirk Smith, vice chairman said: “It was really sad to hear of Tommy’s passing. My thoughts are with his family at this time.

“He did so much for the community with his work with the community council.”

Treasurer Alan Kennedy added: “He was a pal rather than a colleague. For the amount of work he put in, it’s a huge loss to the group.”

Lord Smith of Kelvin, chair of Clyde Gateway, said: “Tommy was a community stalwart who never tired of doing his very best for the people of Rutherglen and his passing is a sad day for the burgh.

“Everyone at Clyde Gateway valued and appreciated his contribution to our work, especially over the past three and a half years as a board member.

“He was especially supportive of our efforts to develop the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park and the new offices and units at Rutherglen Links, so there can be no doubt that he has helped shape and create a lasting and sustainable legacy for the community he loved so much.

“He will be missed and my thoughts and those of the entire Clyde Gateway team are with Tommy’s family and friends.”

Dozens of people, including local politicians, also paid tribute to Tommy on social media.

His funeral will take place on Friday at Rutherglen Funeralcare Queen Street commencing at 11.10am before going to Daldowie for 11.45am.